25009, Ashford, West Virginia Asthma Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Asthma Score in 25009, Ashford, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25009 has some form of health insurance. 72.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.31 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 25009 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 384 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25009. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 207 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 182 health care providers accessible to residents in 25009, Ashford, West Virginia.

## Asthma Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 25009 and Primary Care in Ashford

Analyzing the availability and quality of asthma care within ZIP code 25009 and the broader primary care landscape of Ashford requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Asthma Score" perspective.

ZIP code 25009, encompassing the town of Ashford, necessitates a close examination of its healthcare infrastructure. The primary concern revolves around access. Are there enough primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, to adequately serve the population, especially those managing asthma? The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying essential asthma management. The presence of specialists is equally vital. While PCPs often provide initial asthma care, access to pulmonologists for complex cases and allergists for allergy testing and immunotherapy is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Standout practices within the area should be identified based on several criteria. These include the availability of comprehensive asthma management programs, adherence to national asthma guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and the integration of innovative technologies. Practices that offer patient education programs, including self-management techniques and inhaler instruction, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, clinics that actively monitor patient outcomes, track exacerbations, and adjust treatment plans accordingly demonstrate a commitment to proactive asthma care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural area like Ashford, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and follow-up care without requiring patients to travel long distances. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of lung function, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills are likely to score higher in this analysis. Telemedicine can significantly improve asthma control by facilitating timely interventions and reducing the burden of travel, especially for patients with frequent exacerbations.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of asthma care. Asthma can significantly impact mental well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and stress. Practices that screen for mental health issues, provide access to mental health professionals, or offer integrated behavioral health services are better equipped to address the holistic needs of asthma patients. This integration can improve medication adherence, reduce exacerbations, and enhance overall quality of life.

To assign an "Asthma Score," a weighted system is necessary. Physician-to-patient ratios would carry significant weight, reflecting the fundamental issue of access. The presence of specialists, particularly pulmonologists and allergists, would also be heavily weighted. The criteria for standout practices, including program availability, adherence to guidelines, and patient satisfaction, would contribute significantly. Telemedicine adoption, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, would be assigned a moderate weight. Finally, the integration of mental health resources would be given a substantial weight, reflecting the importance of addressing the psychological impact of asthma.

The analysis should also consider the specific demographics of ZIP code 25009. The prevalence of asthma may vary based on factors such as age, race, socioeconomic status, and environmental exposures. This information is crucial for understanding the unique needs of the patient population and tailoring healthcare delivery accordingly. For example, a higher prevalence of asthma in children would necessitate a focus on pediatric asthma management programs.

The overall "Asthma Score" would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of asthma care in the area. A high score would indicate a well-resourced healthcare system with ample access to physicians, specialist care, advanced technologies, and integrated mental health services. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and integrating mental health services.

The primary care landscape in Ashford, beyond the specific ZIP code, also warrants examination. The availability of primary care physicians is the foundation of asthma management. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for asthma patients, providing initial diagnoses, prescribing medications, and coordinating care with specialists. The geographic distribution of PCPs, including their proximity to patients, is a crucial factor. Areas with limited primary care access may face challenges in timely asthma diagnosis and treatment.

The analysis should also consider the quality of primary care. This includes factors such as the availability of electronic health records, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide comprehensive asthma action plans, and actively monitor patient outcomes are more likely to deliver effective asthma care.

The healthcare system in Ashford is likely a complex web of interconnected practices and facilities. Analyzing the relationships between these entities, including referrals patterns and information sharing, is crucial for assessing the overall quality of care. A well-coordinated healthcare system can improve patient outcomes by ensuring seamless transitions between primary care and specialist care.

The "Asthma Score" for Ashford, considering both ZIP code 25009 and the broader primary care landscape, will provide a valuable benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of asthma care. The score can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, guide resource allocation, and inform policy decisions aimed at improving patient outcomes.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape of Ashford, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources and the accessibility of asthma care.